May Update

Hi all! I really can't believe we're almost at the end of the school year. I'm pretty sure this semester started last week, so it's weird that it's almost over. Also I would like to apologize for my lack of pictures in general. I take literally zero photos ever, so y'all are pretty lucky to get two this month. 😉

One of our biggest events this month was the Rez Fair, an event hosted by all the Christian ministries in the middle of campus to celebrate Jesus' Resurrection. We did it the week before Easter, and invited each ministry to set up their own booth. Various students participated in live bands and sang worship music. Some groups did posters with spiritual questions. One did Henna art with gospel stories. Some students drew messages in chalk. We played games and had snacks. My favorite part was that, welcome people into the event, we had a big wooden cross and on it, we invited people to write things that they didn't want to carry alone. It was a really neat opportunity to just have spiritual conversations with anyone and everyone who walked past.
Rez Fair activities (For the record I did not take this photo, so I wasn't lying about taking zero photos ever)

On the note of outreach events, I also wanted to share this note I got from a student the other day. We met back in November, and to be quite honest with you, I do not remember what we talked about. But I do remember inviting him to our Friday night meetings and subsequently inviting him to a core. This is what he wrote. 
To Abbie Malone, 
Thank you for the conversation we shared at the Plinth back in November and the subsequent invite to FOCUS. Through it I made many good friends that led to memories I couldn't have even imagined. It also gave me a sense of community as it put me back on a path towards spirituality and gave me an opportunity to get questions I've had for years finally answered. I still don't know where this path will take me but I'm glad you put me on it.

This was really encouraging to see that all the outreach we've been doing has actually borne fruit! Thank you guys for the prayers and contributions you've made to help make this possible. 

Finally, I wanted to let you all know about SICM (Student Institute of Campus Ministry - a leadership conference in Washington) Fundraising. We've got 35 students going and they all need to raise a little over $700. One of the other apprentices, Darby, and I were put in charge of this. And boy did God provide! We put together four different fundraisers for the students in our community. They all took place immediately following one of our large group meetings. And I've really been blown away by the generosity of these students. Between these fundraisers, Spring Showcase (check my last update for details on that), and the students sending out their own letters, I think we're totally done! Every one of these students has raised the money they need to go. Thank you to any of you who contributed to that! I'd love it if you could pray that SICM on May 10th-19th goes well and that we are able to train up some amazing spiritual leaders. 

You're all wonderful and supportive, so thank you for reading this! I appreciate your prayers, and I also wanted to let you know that I'd be glad to pray for you if you ever have any requests. Feel free to email me back! I hope God blesses you this month!  

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